Book Review: The Parable of the Lily

In The Parable of the LilybyLiz Curtis Higgs, a farmer secretly mails his daughter, Maggie, a surprise present. Young Maggie is disappointed with her gift of a bulb and dirt. She waters the bulb for a while then throws it out the window.

Easter morning she finds a beautiful, fragrant lily blooming in her yard. “The gift is alive!” she exclaims. When Maggie learns the bulb was from her father, she realizes her ungrateful attitude hurt him. Her father’s response teaches her that Easter is about forgiveness. The book includes relevant Scripture throughout the story.

Idea to try: Watching a bulb grow provides a way to illustrate new life. Why not help your child “plant” a sweet potato in a jar of water. Poke in toothpicks on each side near the center so only the lower half of the potato rests in water. See the new life sprout and grow.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10 NIV).

Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."